The Philanderer
Friday, July 3, 2009
Knock, knock, knocking on heavens door.....
The property in Isleworth owned my Mr and Mrs Expenses, the Keens, previously highlighted here in early 2008, has been occupied by squatters, as it has remained vacant for some time. Here is the transcript of a letter circulated to neighbours, by Anne Keen.
"I am sure that you are aware that our home on Brook Road South has been taken over by squatters. The law to deal with squatters is complicated, but we are taking legal action to regain possession as quickly as possible. We would like to apologise for any disruption to your life and any inconvenience you may have experienced. After major difficulties with the architect/builder we commissioned to carry out refurbishing work and a loft conversion, we were very badly let down and the company recently went into liquidation. We are now in a position to bring in a new firm and work is scheduled to start within two weeks. We look forward to moving back in during the summer. "
"We have lived in our Brentford home for more than 22 years and we own the house - all mortgage payments and building work have always, of course, been paid by us personally. It is our home and has been very special to us for a long time. Alan started work on the Great West Road, Brentford in 1963 and I, as a nurse, spent a substantial part of my working life at the West Middlesex Hospital. Long before I was elected to Parliament in 1997, first as a nurse and then as a candidate, our door was always open for people to ask for help. "
"We find it extremely upsetting to know that our house is occupied by squatters who appear to believe that they are entitled to do what they wish in our property. Anyone who has experienced the feeling of violation after being burgled will understand the distress caused by intruders who refuse to leave. Obviously, we are working to resolve the situation and get our house back as quickly as possible and would like to thank all those who have expressed their support and sympathy over the last few days - it has meant a great deal to me. "
The comment about their door always being open may have contributed to the current problem!!
"I am sure that you are aware that our home on Brook Road South has been taken over by squatters. The law to deal with squatters is complicated, but we are taking legal action to regain possession as quickly as possible. We would like to apologise for any disruption to your life and any inconvenience you may have experienced. After major difficulties with the architect/builder we commissioned to carry out refurbishing work and a loft conversion, we were very badly let down and the company recently went into liquidation. We are now in a position to bring in a new firm and work is scheduled to start within two weeks. We look forward to moving back in during the summer. "
"We have lived in our Brentford home for more than 22 years and we own the house - all mortgage payments and building work have always, of course, been paid by us personally. It is our home and has been very special to us for a long time. Alan started work on the Great West Road, Brentford in 1963 and I, as a nurse, spent a substantial part of my working life at the West Middlesex Hospital. Long before I was elected to Parliament in 1997, first as a nurse and then as a candidate, our door was always open for people to ask for help. "
"We find it extremely upsetting to know that our house is occupied by squatters who appear to believe that they are entitled to do what they wish in our property. Anyone who has experienced the feeling of violation after being burgled will understand the distress caused by intruders who refuse to leave. Obviously, we are working to resolve the situation and get our house back as quickly as possible and would like to thank all those who have expressed their support and sympathy over the last few days - it has meant a great deal to me. "
The comment about their door always being open may have contributed to the current problem!!
Labels: Anne Keen, isleworth, MPs expenses, squatters
¶ 1:14 PM 0 Comments
Barewires
Went to see John Mayall last night in a speakeasy kind of blues club in Scouseland. The roof was held up with factory metal pillars, and it had the feeling of a 'sweat shop' in more ways than one. I hate to think what it was like before the public smoking ban came into force!
Mayall is not on my bucket list, but having been introduced to him in the sixties by the Blues from laurel Canyon album, I had always wanted to see him live. He is 75 years old now and looks a bit like Rolf Harris with a pony tail! He banged out a few tunes with his band Rocky Athos and Joe Yuele among others. These guys were probably hoping to be spotted like many of the previous Bluesbreakers were.
Eric Clapton, who along with Jack Bruce, left Mayall to for Cream, referred to him as a musical university. He spawned Fleetwood Mac, with Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green and John McVie all being ex- Bluesbreakers, and also Colosseum, from whence came Hiseman, Reeves and Heckstall-Smith. Other names such as Jeff Beck and Mick Taylor also studied at the university of Mayall, before graduating and moving on. Clapton, Taylor and Beck did back Mayall at his 2003 Liverpool concert to celebrate his 50th year in the business.
The set last night was OK although it was a bit like standing in somebodies front room as four guys jammed away together, before turning round and saying 'oh, sorry I did not see you come in'
Andy Sharrocks and the Smoking Jackets were the support act last night, which gives a brief insight into blues concert hierarchies, as Mayall himself had just finished supporting the 83 year old BB King on his short tour of the UK.
Mayall is not on my bucket list, but having been introduced to him in the sixties by the Blues from laurel Canyon album, I had always wanted to see him live. He is 75 years old now and looks a bit like Rolf Harris with a pony tail! He banged out a few tunes with his band Rocky Athos and Joe Yuele among others. These guys were probably hoping to be spotted like many of the previous Bluesbreakers were.
Eric Clapton, who along with Jack Bruce, left Mayall to for Cream, referred to him as a musical university. He spawned Fleetwood Mac, with Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green and John McVie all being ex- Bluesbreakers, and also Colosseum, from whence came Hiseman, Reeves and Heckstall-Smith. Other names such as Jeff Beck and Mick Taylor also studied at the university of Mayall, before graduating and moving on. Clapton, Taylor and Beck did back Mayall at his 2003 Liverpool concert to celebrate his 50th year in the business.
The set last night was OK although it was a bit like standing in somebodies front room as four guys jammed away together, before turning round and saying 'oh, sorry I did not see you come in'
Andy Sharrocks and the Smoking Jackets were the support act last night, which gives a brief insight into blues concert hierarchies, as Mayall himself had just finished supporting the 83 year old BB King on his short tour of the UK.
Labels: Andy Sharrocks, BB KIng, bluesbreakers, colosseum, fleetwood mac, John Mayall, o2 academy
¶ 12:24 PM 0 Comments
Thursday, July 2, 2009
...but some are more equal than others
Fascinating. Here we are again into the back end of Wimbledon fortnight with the women's semi's and final looming, and to be honest, who cares? Can you name a memorable women's match which has kept you on the edge of your seat, and apart from the Venus sisters can you name a women player who isn't an ...eva,...ova or....vic. Yep some of them are good looking, but worth the same prize money as men, well forget it.
The men's tennis has been fantastic by comparison. Even Roger 'the hat' has played stunning stuff without being stretched, and the other three quarter finals all had drama, characters and crowds who wanted to, and did, get involved. Couple that with the thriller which was Murray's Monday match and the chaps have been earning their money and most of the ladies as well. I would suggest two things..... give the grass back a bit of pace to encourage more serve and volley, and give the girls their own week, then we will see who brings in the crowds.
The men's tennis has been fantastic by comparison. Even Roger 'the hat' has played stunning stuff without being stretched, and the other three quarter finals all had drama, characters and crowds who wanted to, and did, get involved. Couple that with the thriller which was Murray's Monday match and the chaps have been earning their money and most of the ladies as well. I would suggest two things..... give the grass back a bit of pace to encourage more serve and volley, and give the girls their own week, then we will see who brings in the crowds.
Labels: Andy Murray, Venus, Wimbledon
¶ 10:59 AM 0 Comments
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Chicken Korma and a pint of Pride
Well it was off to Lords on Sunday with number one son and wife for a spot of Twenty/20 cricket. With Middlesex having won their previous two games there was a smell of renaissance in the air, given they had lost their first seven contests. Things looked good with Sussex needing 26 off the last two overs, but as Chris Nash smashed Chris Silverwood all over the ground Middlesex finished as they started and are bottom of the South and South East group, and destined for second division 20/20 next season.
The trip did, however, allow me to see what developments had taken place at Crockets Folly, a wonderful establishment close to the ground, which had been a regular drinking hole at the test matches for me and many good friends, between the luncheon and tea intervals.
So Folly or not, the place is now in major disrepair as it clearly struggled to survive on two or three major matches at Lords per year. It was purchased by an Indian takeaway chain who had a view of turning it into a restaurant, but my recent inspection showed leaded windows broken and the front of the property boarded up. It is grade two listed, and there were lights on upstairs, The new owners vans also populated the forecourt. Lets hope, therefore, that some new use can be found for the property before its magnificent interior falls into disrepair.
The trip did, however, allow me to see what developments had taken place at Crockets Folly, a wonderful establishment close to the ground, which had been a regular drinking hole at the test matches for me and many good friends, between the luncheon and tea intervals.
The building was constructed originally by one Frank Crocker, and was to be names the Crown Hotel. Frank knew his development was going to be a success. After all, the new railway terminus was going to be built opposite, how could it fail? Imagine Crocker's despair when the rail terminus was built, half a mile away at Marylebone. Broke and broken, so the tale goes, he threw himself from an upstairs window. The Crown became Crocker's Folly. Frank Crocker was a successful entrepreneur and the Crown a lavish testament to that. He was no newcomer to the pub trade either, having run the Volunteer in Kilburn which must have been successful for him to have the Crown built. The public bar is vast, the billiard room grand, but the jewel-at-the-Crown is the entrance hall saloon. 
So Folly or not, the place is now in major disrepair as it clearly struggled to survive on two or three major matches at Lords per year. It was purchased by an Indian takeaway chain who had a view of turning it into a restaurant, but my recent inspection showed leaded windows broken and the front of the property boarded up. It is grade two listed, and there were lights on upstairs, The new owners vans also populated the forecourt. Lets hope, therefore, that some new use can be found for the property before its magnificent interior falls into disrepair.
Labels: Crockers folly, Frank crocker, lords, marylebone station, Middlesex, sussex
¶ 1:30 PM 0 Comments
Monday, June 22, 2009
Honey, I shrunk the kids......
There is a leading edge equine centre on the Wirral, Leahurst, which was recently expanded and had the new facilities opened by HRH The Princess Royal, aka old horse face, herself.
During her visit I was chatting to a veterinary salesman about the merits of using honey for the treatment of scraps and cuts on horses legs.
During the conversation, the merits or otherwise of Manuka honey came up. For those of you not up on honey, Manuka is the health food wonder honey of the 21st century, and at £20 a pot in Sainsbury's it should be.
Like all things with a premium price, however, there is a dark side to it. Apparently there is more Manuka honey, which comes exclusively from New Zealand, sold in Sainsbury's in the UK in a year, than the poor old worker bees in NZ are able to produce. Strange eh!
The honey comes from one of the native trees of New Zealand. The Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) is the New Zealand version of the tea tree plant. It can be found growing wild in much of the country, but more predominately around coastal areas, with the east cape area of the north island having one of the larger concentrations.
The market for blending Manuka with clover or other lower grade honey has caused the regulatory bodies all sorts of headaches ( sadly one thing Manuka will not cure!) so here are some guidelines to allow you to spot the pukka stuff if you so wish:
Proper UMF Active Manuka Honey complies with all 5 of the following criteria for Genuine UMF Manuka Honey as recommended by the Active Manuka Honey Association.
1. It has the name UMF clearly stated on the front label.
2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.
3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the name UMF.
4. It has the UMF licensee’s name on the front label.
5. It has a rating of UMF10 or more.
So there you have it and next time you have a tickly cough, or damage a fetlock make sure you get the right jar.
During her visit I was chatting to a veterinary salesman about the merits of using honey for the treatment of scraps and cuts on horses legs.
During the conversation, the merits or otherwise of Manuka honey came up. For those of you not up on honey, Manuka is the health food wonder honey of the 21st century, and at £20 a pot in Sainsbury's it should be.
Like all things with a premium price, however, there is a dark side to it. Apparently there is more Manuka honey, which comes exclusively from New Zealand, sold in Sainsbury's in the UK in a year, than the poor old worker bees in NZ are able to produce. Strange eh!
The honey comes from one of the native trees of New Zealand. The Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) is the New Zealand version of the tea tree plant. It can be found growing wild in much of the country, but more predominately around coastal areas, with the east cape area of the north island having one of the larger concentrations.
The market for blending Manuka with clover or other lower grade honey has caused the regulatory bodies all sorts of headaches ( sadly one thing Manuka will not cure!) so here are some guidelines to allow you to spot the pukka stuff if you so wish:
Proper UMF Active Manuka Honey complies with all 5 of the following criteria for Genuine UMF Manuka Honey as recommended by the Active Manuka Honey Association.
1. It has the name UMF clearly stated on the front label.
2. It is packed into jars and labelled in New Zealand.
3. It is from a New Zealand company licensed to use the name UMF.
4. It has the UMF licensee’s name on the front label.
5. It has a rating of UMF10 or more.
So there you have it and next time you have a tickly cough, or damage a fetlock make sure you get the right jar.
Labels: leahurst, Manuka honey, new zealand, princess Anne, UMF
¶ 11:44 AM 1 Comments
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Love is......
Do you remember the box cartoons in the Daily Mail, with the same name, well here's one for you.....
.....when your wife goes from London to Liverpool with both sets of your car keys, but leaves your car in London. Luckily my golf clubs were locked in the boot....humf!!!
.....when your wife goes from London to Liverpool with both sets of your car keys, but leaves your car in London. Luckily my golf clubs were locked in the boot....humf!!!
Labels: Daily Mail, golf clubs, love is...
¶ 12:03 PM 0 Comments
Monday, June 15, 2009
CSI Chiswick
Boum! Boum!
Well High Noon met the Shootout at the OK Corral on Saturday night, as a gun fight exploded at the end of Silver Crescent, sending passers by diving for cover, and my Indian takeaway driver unable to get to my door.
It was all quite strange as we heard what appeared to be a series of hammering sounds on the door, then the takeaway man rang to say he could not get down the street. I wandered casually up the road to be confronted by an armed response team and police vehicles everywhere. 'Mind how you go' was all they said as I recovered my evening meal and sauntered back home.
Apparently two men had leaped from a car and chased a third man past the Moran Hotel, shooting him as they went. He then hid in Silver Crescent until they left, before fleeing to Charing Cross Hospital where he was treated for wounds to the arm. There was a fair amount of claret splashed on the pavement so he must have been in some pain.
The two attackers drove off up the North Circular Road, and as yet they remain at large.
All this should see house prices plummet in the area, and just when I thought there might be some positive developments with mine. I had accepted an offer from people in Dubai but their finances seem to have gone pear shaped suddenly, and a couple who saw the place for the third time at the weekend are disagreeing about putting in an offer. She loves it, he is not so keen.....anyway, I will give it to August and if nobody comes in for it, I will take it of the market. There is certainly a shortage of good two bedroomed flats in the area so why move into a hovel for the sake of moving eh?......
Well High Noon met the Shootout at the OK Corral on Saturday night, as a gun fight exploded at the end of Silver Crescent, sending passers by diving for cover, and my Indian takeaway driver unable to get to my door.
It was all quite strange as we heard what appeared to be a series of hammering sounds on the door, then the takeaway man rang to say he could not get down the street. I wandered casually up the road to be confronted by an armed response team and police vehicles everywhere. 'Mind how you go' was all they said as I recovered my evening meal and sauntered back home.
Apparently two men had leaped from a car and chased a third man past the Moran Hotel, shooting him as they went. He then hid in Silver Crescent until they left, before fleeing to Charing Cross Hospital where he was treated for wounds to the arm. There was a fair amount of claret splashed on the pavement so he must have been in some pain.
The two attackers drove off up the North Circular Road, and as yet they remain at large.
All this should see house prices plummet in the area, and just when I thought there might be some positive developments with mine. I had accepted an offer from people in Dubai but their finances seem to have gone pear shaped suddenly, and a couple who saw the place for the third time at the weekend are disagreeing about putting in an offer. She loves it, he is not so keen.....anyway, I will give it to August and if nobody comes in for it, I will take it of the market. There is certainly a shortage of good two bedroomed flats in the area so why move into a hovel for the sake of moving eh?......
Labels: crime scene, CSI, dubai, indian takeaway, Law and Order, silver crescent
¶ 11:23 AM 0 Comments
